We protect our kids way too much! It’s safer to keep them at home and let them play on an iPad or watch 4 hours of Netflix. Some might even do both at the same time. Going to the park or going for a bike ride is simply too dangerous.
We are bombarded by scary and negative news reports that tell us to live in fear. How have we arrived at this point where it is normal for children to have over 50 hours a week of screen time? It’s actually much higher than that number. Just google it. What a waste of time and life.
On our way back home from a Marriott Staycation over the holidays, my kids wanted Macaroni and Cheese for lunch. But we didn’t have any at home and I had no desire to go grocery shopping. A brilliant idea came to my mind. I’ll get the kids to go in the store and buy their own Mac and Cheese. If they want it, they can get it!
The Challenge
I told my kids that they could have Mac and Cheese when we got home but they would need to get it themselves. They were up for the challenge, but needed some assurances.
First, they needed to know exactly where the car was going to be. I parked as close as possible to the entrance. Second, I gave my oldest daughter, who is 9, the credit card. We practiced how to tap the card on the machine by using the car display. I opted against giving her a $20 bill.
They asked me how they will find the Mac and Cheese. My response, “read the signs or ask someone.” That’s part of the challenge.
And……..Go
They were ready and took off, looking both ways as they crossed in front of the store. I was feeling like a proud parent. I don’t think anything could go wrong. There was a small chance family services might get involved.
A part of me wanted to go inside and follow them to see how they would do. My wife and I waited almost 10 minutes in the car before I got out and walked over to the front glass of the store. There they were, both queued up in line and waiting patiently. I ran back to the car so they wouldn’t see me. Three minutes later, two proud kids came back to the car. They were so excited that they completed the challenge!
Debrief
They said they were tempted to buy treats but stopped themselves. They learned self-control.
The cashier asked them where their parents were. My daughter responded, “in the car.” They learned how to communicate in the real world without their parents around.
What’s Next?
My kids learned so much from that short grocery store challenge to buy Kraft Dinner. Which got me thinking. They should be helping us shop regularly. I’m going to slowly increase the number of items on the grocery list. To keep them motivated, I’ll say they can buy a small treat each time.
For our next shop, they will have to buy two items. If these grocery outings keep them off screens for a little longer during the week, it’s worth every penny. It also gives me some extra time on my phone while I wait for them in the car.